Antique Meiji Japanese Satsuma Bowl by Kozan, 1890s

Details

Description

A superb Japanese Satsuma bowl from the Meiji period, signed Kozan, dating to circa 1890–1905. This is not ordinary export … Read more A superb Japanese Satsuma bowl from the Meiji period, signed Kozan, dating to circa 1890–1905. This is not ordinary export ware or mass-produced decoration, but an individual work by a highly accomplished Satsuma master, with beautifully painted figures, rich gilding and exceptionally well-preserved enamels.

Kozan is a major and highly respected name in Japanese Satsuma ceramics. Works by Kozan are regularly sold by leading international auction houses, including Christie’s and Bonhams, and his name confidently belongs among the top ten most desirable Japanese Satsuma makers and decorators of the Meiji period.

The bowl shows the quality of a serious Meiji-period Satsuma work. The faces are individually painted, the kimono patterns are carefully detailed, the gold ornament is dense and controlled, and the whole composition is far above ordinary commercial export ware. The interior is centred by an elegant garden scene with women and children in richly decorated robes beneath flowering branches. Around the central scene are landscape and floral reserves, set within elaborate brocade-style decoration in gold, red, blue, turquoise and purple enamels.

The exterior is decorated with a continuous floral band, making the piece highly decorative from every angle. The underside bears a red rectangular gilt signature panel reading Kozan. The glaze is the classic fine cream crackle associated with Satsuma ware.

Measurements

Height: 6.4 cm (2.5″)
Diameter: 15.6 cm (6.1″)
Weight: 400 g

Condition

Excellent antique condition. The bowl has been checked under UV light and shows no cracks, no restoration and no structural problems. The paint, enamels and gilding are exceptionally well preserved. Only minimal rubbing to the gilding on the rim is visible under magnification. The wooden stand shown in the photographs is not included. See less